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BALTIMORE—Alex Anthopoulos says his off-season priority is upgrading the starting rotation, just as it was a year ago. But the Blue Jays GM, who’s coming to the end of his fourth season at the club’s helm, also has a number of decisions to make on players already in-house, from Josh Johnson to J.P. Arencibia and everyone in between.

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RHP Josh Johnson

Expected to be a key piece in the revamped rotation, the former all-star was a disaster this season, posting a 2-8 record with a 6.20 ERA, while spending more than half the year on the disabled list. He’s currently rehabbing his latest injury — right forearm inflammation — and is expected to try to pitch off a mound at some point next month. Anthopoulos will decide then whether or not to extend Johnson a one-year qualifying offer of around $13.8 million, which would ensure that if he signs with another team the Jays would still receive draft-pick compensation. Anthopoulos could instead simply let Johnson walk, or attempt to sign him for less than the qualifying amount.

OF Rajai Davis

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In three seasons in Toronto, Davis has been a useful fourth outfielder who hits well against lefties and can steal 40-plus bases even with limited playing time. But chances are another team is willing to guarantee him an everyday job and he’ll walk. Still, Anthopoulos said Wednesday he “wouldn’t rule out” Davis coming back.

PLAYERS WITH CLUB OPTIONS

RHP Casey Janssen

It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Jays will pick up Janssen’s $4 million club option. He has been near perfect in the closing role this season, converting 34 of 35 save opportunities.

1B/DH Adam Lind

Lind’s case is less clear. It will cost Anthopoulos $7 million to keep Lind next season and $2 million to let him go due to the contract’s buyout clause. The 30-year-old improved upon his disappointing 2012, hitting .285 with 23 home runs. But he still struggles to hit left-handed pitching, is a below-average defender at first base and there are still questions about his durability. That said, Anthopoulos praised him Wednesday, adding that he “put himself in a good position”

INF Munenori Kawasaki

Signed as a minor-league free agent, Kawasaki was called up to replace the injured Jose Reyes and grew into an improbable fan — and team — favourite. The Jays have a $1 million option to keep him through next season and will have to decide if what he brings on and off the field is valuable enough to justify the roster spot.

INF Mark DeRosa

The 38-year-old veteran was acquired to be the Jays’ 25th man, but ended up with significantly more playing time due to injuries. He performed well in a limited role, particularly with runners in scoring position, driving home more runs, 34, than he had in his previous three seasons combined. He’s also been lauded for his leadership in the clubhouse and influence on Brett Lawrie’s development. DeRosa is contemplating retirement, but said he won’t make any decision until he hears from the Jays.

“I think they need to make the decision first,” he said. “I haven’t talked to Alex or Gibby or anyone about that — completely understandable, there’s a lot more pressing issues at hand — but once I hear what their direction is towards me and how they feel, then I’ll sit down and discuss some things. But until that time there’s still a potential for them to not pick up the option and I find myself in a whole different scenario.”

Anthopoulos said Wednesday that considering what was expected of him, DeRosa has gone above and beyond this year. “He’s had a good year . . . and he’s been everything and more what we expected from a clubhouse standpoint.”

CONTROLLABLE PLAYERS

C J.P. Arencibia

Entering his first year of arbitration eligibility, Arencibia is coming off the worst of his three big-league seasons. By just about every measure besides home runs, he was the worst starting catcher in the majors this season, both offensively and defensively. Anthopoulos could try to convince another team that all Arencibia needs is a change of scenery, he could demote him to Triple-A Buffalo, or he could hope that this was simply a down year and Arencibia will — at least — turn back into the .700 OPS player he was in 2012.

2B Ryan Goins & OF Anthony Gose

Is it time for these two budding prospects to be everyday big-leaguers? Anthopoulos will have to decide if he’s comfortable with Goins as the club’s starting second baseman and if Gose is useful off the bench. But chances are both will be heading for Buffalo.

LHP Ricky Romero

Who knows what will become of the club’s former ace? He spent most of the season in the minors and continued to struggle there, posting a 5-8 record and 5.78 ERA at Triple-A Buffalo. He’d have to be extremely impressive in spring training to even be considered for a rotation spot next spring, and if he doesn’t show any improvement he may have to fight to stay in Buffalo. But the Jays owe him more than $16 million over the next three seasons so he isn’t going anywhere.

It will be a tight race for the final few bullpen jobs next season as almost all of the team’s relievers are out of minor-league options so will either have to make the team or be cleared through waivers. Anthopoulos will also have to decide whether Moises Sierra can serve as the team’s bench outfielder next year. If not, he’ll likely be lost on waivers.

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